If you are reading this now, then you and I have a lot in common: 

We both LOVE sunshine and beaches and dread the winter! 

Fret not because I have 5 insanely affordable beach holiday destinations you can hit up this winter to cure your summer blues.

And, If it’s cold where you are right now and you can’t travel just yet, then picture this:

You, chillaxin’ on a hammock, one foot lightly grazing the soft white sands, with a refreshing pina colada in hand and the sounds of ocean waves in the background….you are smiling real big because this whole set up cost you less than $40/per day! 

(You’re here because you love travel…so if you are ready to build an online brand that allows you to live a freedom and joy filled life, check out my brand development coaching program. This program gives you hands-on experience creating your brand from scratch, including messaging and social media strategy.)

Ladies and Gents, here is a list of 5 truly unique and affordable beach holiday destinations to visit this winter:

1. Central America 

Place: Bocas Del Toro, Panama 

The Vibe: Bocas is a province in Panama off of the Caribbean coast that is made up of a bunch of islands with stunning turquoise waters, rock formations, and marine life. The main town is Bocas town where you can stay in super cute hostels, eat at trendy cafes, and party like there is no tomorrow—look up Filthy Friday!

Must visit: Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)—this beach has many brightly colored starfish that you can see up close in the shallow water. Please respect these creatures by not taking them out of the water, they need to be in it to survive. 

Weather: Consistently in the mid 80s°F/20s°C, with some rain here and there. Hello tropical weather! 

Average Hostel Price/Night: $10-$16. Check out Hostel Mamallena and La Guayana 

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night: $50-$100 for hotel rooms and less than $50 for private rooms in hostels. 

Average Meal Price: $4-$8 Local meals, $10-$15 Fancy Meals.

Pro Saving Tip: With many affordable supermarkets in town, I ended up cooking most of my meals to cut down on costs. While this might not be your idea of a fun vacay but when you’re tight on cash, cooking a meal with new or old friends is actually loads of fun! 

Price of a Beer: $2

Why go there?

Sun and fun. Bocas is the ideal place to be lazy or to go wild. There are many restaurants and parties happening throughout the week. You can’t get bored here because of how accessible it is to get to the surrounding islands by hopping on a $3-$5 water taxi from Bocas Town. 

If you are looking for an adventure to add on to your trip to Bocas in Panama, then check out Nomadic Matt’s blog post on Boquete.

Place: San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua 

The Vibe: Quiet/lazy beach town located on the southwest coast of Nicaragua. With a ton of Pacific beaches within driving distance to choose from, this town is perfect for surfers/learning to surf, budget backpackers, yoga lovers or those who simply desire to tan their beach buns while sipping on yummy affordable dranks.

Must Visit: Playa Maderas, MIxcal Beach, Playa Hermosa, The Beach House (for 2 for $5 Happy Hour drinks!)

Weather: Pretty dry with average temps. of 80s°F/30s°C

Average Hostel Price/Night: $5-$15. Check out Naked Tiger or Casa Oro in the heart of town.

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night: $19-$40 for private rooms in hostels, $35-$50 Hotel rooms.

Pro Saving Tip: Stay at an all-inclusive eco-luxury resort for one week for $449! Or $52/ day including breakfast. 

Average Meal Price: $4-$10

Price of a Beer: $1

Why go there? 

With many beaches around and various activities to indulge in, I doubt you’ll ever get bored in San Juan Del Sur. You can do a 1 week yoga retreat for less than $500, or take up surf lessons for $25/hr or even Spanish classes by the beach for $10/hr. This is definitely one of the most affordable beach holiday destinations in Central America. 

2. The Carribean 

Place: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic 

The Vibe: Pristine and quiet white sand beaches on the Samaná peninsula in the northeast part of the DR. Enough said! 

P.S. if you are a bachata lover, you will fall in love with this town and the dancers at the clubs. 

Must Visit: Playa Bonita, Playa Coson 

Pro Saving Tip: Take motorcycle taxis from town to the beaches because they only cost around $1-$4!

Weather: Tropical wet and humid weather with an average of 70s°F/25°C

Average Hostel Price/Night: $15. My fav is Dan & Manty’s Guesthouse. 

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night: Hotel rooms from $50-$100, Private room in a hostel from $24-$45. 

Average Meal Price: $2-$5 local food in town, $10-$20 food at the beach

Price of a Beer: $2

Why go there?

A trip to Las Terrenas can be as luxurious or as an affordable beach holiday destination as you want, depending on where you stay. With that being said, the beauty of all the beaches will never fail to make you feel like you are at a 5-star resort, regardless of where you end up staying! 

3. South America  

Place: Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta, Colombia 

The Vibe: A unique mix of lush tropical jungles and perfect blue Carribean waters. Tayrona National Park is located at the intersection of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta and the Carribean coast. This is for those who crave an adventurous beach holiday. Think sleeping outdoors in hammocks or tents and waking up to the sound of the waves and tropical birds. 

Pro Saving Tip: Catch a local bus ride for $2 from the town of Santa Marta which drops you off by the entrance of the park. From the park entrance, it is an approximately sweaty 2 hours hike in the jungle to the beach. This is an easy hike, just a little humid so wear breathable clothes and carry a light day pack. 

Must Visit: The whole damn thing, if you can! But the most popular beach in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan. 

Weather: Humid and rainy but definitely HOT!  We are talking 90°F/32°C

Average Hostel Price/Night in Santa Marta: $6-$12. Check out Dreamers Hostel 

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night in Santa Marta: Hotel rooms from $20-$85. Private rooms in hostels from $15-$45. 

Hammock or Tent Accommodation Price in the Park: $12-$60. Check out Tayrona Tented Lodge with all meals included! If you want to sleep in a hammock for $7, then take a look at this option. 

Average Meal Price: $3-$12. Don’t forget to pack them snacks!

Price of a Beer: $1.50

Why go there?

Because you will love Colombia as a whole and you will have such an adventure hiking, taking in the biodiversity of the park and swimming in the ocean. There are many picture opportunities here, so take advantage!

For a complete guide to visiting the park check out this blog post. 

Important Park Operational Info: Gate is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last permitted entry is at 4 p.m. Tayrona is closed from end of Jan through Feb. Please check online that the park is open on your intended visit date. 

4. North Africa 

Place: Sharm el Sheik, Egypt

The Vibe: A diver’s heaven. Sharm is located between Egypt’s majestic Sinai desert and the Red Sea known for its clear waters with surreal coral reefs, palm-lined beaches, and endless bars and nightlife activity. Gather up all your loved ones, because this affordable beach holiday destination is perfect for groups or families!

Must Visit: Ras Mohammed National Park, Adrenaline Beach, Terrazina Beach, Saint Catherine Monastery, Naama Bay (for the nightlife) 

Weather: Hot but breezy at night averaging 70s°F/20s°C. You will have the best tan of your life, I’m telling ya!

Average Affordable Hotel Price/Night: $20-$35. If you want an authentic desert experience check out Sinai Old Spices B&B

Average All-Inclusive Hotel Price/Night: $55-$200. Labranda Tower Bay is an all-inclusive hotel with desert and ocean views, appropriate for all kinds of travelers.

Average Meal Price: $5-$8

Price of a Beer: $3

Why go there? 

A unique combination of authentic North African/Middle Eastern culture and a desert landscape contrasted by picture-perfect beaches. You can camp out in deserts for an adventure, take up diving lessons in the world’s best waters for diving or simply enjoy a luxury vacation at an all-inclusive hotel for the fraction of the price you’d pay anywhere else. 

Pro Saving Tip: Make friends with the locals and learn a few words in Arabic. You will really impress the Egyptians and they might hook up the prices for you, habibi! 

Safety Tip: If you are a solo traveler, travel around with a local guide or a local friend. 

5. Asia

Place: Koh Rong Island, Sihanoukville, Cambodia 

The Vibe: Low-key developing island with secluded white sand beaches and lush jungles. This is perfect for those looking for a major social media/city detox. There are very little distractions here and you will definitely enjoy being one with nature. Just be prepared for the power outages, limited wi-fi, and food options. 

Must Visit: Koh Rong Samloem (you can swim with planktons that light up in the water at night—it’s truly magical!)

Weather: Warm and dry weather averaging in the mid 80s°F/20s°C

Average Hostel Price/Night: $10. Coconutbeach Bungalows offers private tents with beds for $5/night and private rooms starting at $15! 

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night: $15-$50. Lost and Found offers private rooms for $15, including breakfast, that are right across from the beach on Koh Rong Samloem

Average Meal Price: $2-$5

Price of a Beer: $1.50

Why go there?

As far as affordable beach holiday destinations go, it doesn’t get any cheaper or better than this. This island was one of my top favorite places during my entire trip to Cambodia. You can find free hanging hammocks from trees by the beach to relax on while sipping on your $1 fresh smoothie and reading your favorite book. 

For a more extensive guide on Koh Rong Island read this blog. 

Fun Fact: The Survivors 32nd season was filmed on Koh Rong Island! 

Place: Hoi An, Vietnam

(Ha Long Bay is cool too, but Hoi An is cooler, in my humble opinion at least)

The Vibe: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this old riverside town has an interesting mix of Chinese, Japanese, French and Vietnamese flair. Here you can shop, eat amazing foods, chill by the river (check out the Full Moon Lantern festival), get your temple fix and sunbathe at the beach. 

Must Visit: Hoi An Town, The Riverside, Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach, Chuc Thanh Pagoda

Weather: Dec-Jan is still considered the rainy season in Vietnam but temps are averaging 70s°F/20s°C. Feb-Mar is warm and dry. 

Average Hostel Price/Night: $4-$9. Check out this $6 hostel right in town. 

Average Hotel/Private Room Price/Night: Hotel rooms average between $14-$35. Private rooms at hostels are between $15-$30. G Boutique Resort offers you luxury for $35/night including a fresh breakfast and access to a pool. 

Average Meal Price: $1-$5

Price of a Beer: $.50- $1.50

Why go there?

This is truly an extraordinary and often underrated affordable beach holiday destination for those already traveling through Vietnam or South East Asia. I highly recommend it to travelers who want to have a unique cultural experience, old town venturing, delicious CHEAP street food, and the beach, of course. 

Happy summertime in the wintertime, y’all!

Disclaimer: I may make a commission on some of the links mentioned in this post at NO additional cost to you!